Wisecrack
/ˈwaɪz.kræk/noun
A witty, often sarcastic remark.
Did you know?The word is a 20th-century American slang blend, and its sharp, snapping sound helped it feel like a verbal strike rather than a polite joke.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
wīse
“manner, way, method”
Old English
OE
cracian
“to crack, resound, make a sharp noise”
19th Century
English
wise-crack
“a clever or sarcastic remark”
20th Century
English
wisecrack
“a witty, mocking comment”